I am truly heartbroken to learn of Dolores' recent passing. I have loved the Livernois family from afar for many, many years since I first met them when both they and I lived in the Mesa/Gilbert suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona and they heroically led our PFLAG Mesa support group. Not only did the love between Dolores and Rudy shine brightly as an ever-lasting example to all those who met them, their love also flowed from them to everyone they encountered and eventually enveloped them to help them feel as though they were part of this loving family. The example they set as loving and supportive parents for not only lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth and young adults, but also for concerned, fearful, and hurting parents of LGBTQ children paved the way for much self- and family-healing, personal growth, and understanding for all who were fortunate enough to attend one of Dolores' and Rudy's PFLAG support groups. Never ones to share a harsh word or disrespect towards those who attended who weren't exactly kind in the beginning, they simply exuded love, support, and compassion, and therefore were held as the model parents for all (who had wisdom) to follow. Dolores' giggles were infectious, and her and Rudy's smiles could charm the most intolerant and distant attendees in the room. Their proud love and unquestionable support of their son, John, and his partner, Tim, were again the ideal model of how parents should be towards their LGBTQ children, and believe me, people took notice! We were fortunate to also have Dolores and Rudy as participants on our PFLAG Phoenix Steering Committee, and we were proud to march alongside them in many PFLAG Phoenix Pride parades over the years, in addition to seeing them participate in other community functions and events. But, in the end, it all comes back to LOVE . . . the biggest gift they gave to themselves and to all who knew them. I am better for having had them in my life for a brief period of time, and I will always cherish them for as long as I live. God bless you both!
It did my heart good to hear that Mama Livernois passed with that infamous smile on her face. That smile/smirk went right along with her spunky sassy life loving self. She will be so missed but her legacy is great so she will be with us always. She left her footprint on so so many hearts, mine included. I felt so loved and welcomed the very second I met her and she and Dad threw their arms around me. That was almost 40 years ago. She will live on in my heart for as long as my heart is beating. I love and miss you Mama Livernois!
The sun was shining, (God was winking!) and your family helped us all say a formal good-bye yesterday. As my grandson Ashton said to me, “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here!”💕